A simple method for routine double-contrast study of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

A technique for routine double-contrast study of the stomach and duodenum is presented. It requires neither nasogastric intubation nor hypnotic drugs. The authors emphasize the technical factors and maneuvers which result in optimal mucosal coating and unobscured double-contrast views of the stomach and duodenum. The radiological error rate was 7% in 190 patients; a marked improvement over results produced by the standard barium study. In a consecutive series of 1,000 patients superficial gastric erosions were demonstrated in 19 patients. It is recommended that such a technique be applied to the routine radiological study of the upper gastrointestinal tract.